Elizabeth
Its Monday morning. I sit on the edge of the couch, watching Christopher play with Edward on the floor. I can’t tear my eyes away as I watch him lift our son into the air, spinning him around until Edward is giggling uncontrollably.
It’s these rare moments that mess with my mind and make me second-guess everything.
This gentle, loving version of him is the man I fell in love with, the father I want Edward to have.
When Christopher glances up at me, a softness in his blue eyes, he gives me a kind smile—the kind that used to melt me.
For a split second, I feel a flicker of hope, a glimpse of the man he used to be.
“Get ready, Elizabeth,” he says, his voice breaking the moment.
“You’re coming with me to the office today.”
I blink, completely thrown.
“What? Why?” My voice comes out sharper than I intended, laced with suspicion.
I don’t trust this. I don’t trust him.
He chuckles, shaking his head like I’m overreacting.
“I thought maybe you should go back to work. Get your old job back. You were a marketing genius, remember?”
I stare at him, trying to process this.
It’s been years since I left the office, since he convinced me that being at home would help us have a family.
Two miscarriages later, he asked me to stop working entirely.
Now, suddenly, he’s suggesting I return to the company? He’s never wanted me to have independence, so why now?
“What are you playing at, Christopher?” I ask, crossing my arms.
“Just get dressed, Lizzy. We’ll talk in the car.”
I bite back a retort, deciding not to push him. Instead,
I get up and head to the bedroom.
My pulse quickens, and I feel a strange excitement stirring in my chest.
It’s been so long since I had anything outside these walls, anything that felt like my own purpose.
If I can get back into the office, back to what I’m good at, maybe I’ll find a way to break free from him once and for all.
I slip into a blouse and pencil skirt, brushing on a bit of makeup.
My hands are shaking with a mixture of nerves and excitement.
This feels like a step out of my prison, even if I know Christopher’s intentions can’t be genuine.
He’s always playing some angle. But for now, I’ll play along. I’ll make this work for me.
When I walk out, Christopher is waiting by the door, his eyes scanning over me approvingly.
“You look beautiful,” he says, holding the door open.
His tone is warm, almost affectionate. I try not to let my confusion show.
As we drive, I keep sneaking glances at him, trying to figure out what’s going on in his head.
He’s unusually calm, focused.
The tension I’ve come to expect from him is absent, replaced with... what? I can’t put my finger on it, and the uncertainty makes my skin crawl.
“Why are you doing this?” I finally ask, unable to hold the question back any longer.
He glances over, giving me a slight smile. “Consider it the start of an apology,” he says smoothly.
“I just want us to get back to who we were.”
I scoff, not even trying to hide my disbelief.
“Are you kidding me, Christopher?”
“Lizzy,” he sighs, as if he’s the one tired of me.
“A lot was going on before, but now... things are different. I’ve got a new partner investing in the company, and I feel like things are finally stable. We can work things out.”
I know him too well to believe him.
We’ve been through this before—the fake apologies, the empty promises. But if he thinks he can win me over with a few sweet words, he’s in for a surprise.
I nod, playing along, hiding the real plans forming in my mind. I’ll bide my time, keep Edward close, and when the opportunity arises, I’ll be gone.
As he’s driving, I feel his hand drift over to my thigh, a touch that used to feel so intimate but now feels suffocating.
I grit my teeth, trying to suppress the disgust curling in my stomach.
He hasn’t touched me like this in months, and I hate that I have to pretend.
I turn my head, forcing a smile as I look at him.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmurs, his face twisting into a smirk, one that doesn’t reach his eyes.
The wicked grin makes me shiver, but I force myself to laugh softly, trying to mirror his smile.
When we arrive at the office, I feel a strange mix of anticipation and dread.
Everything feels different, as if I’m stepping back into an old life I barely recognise.
The receptionist greets me with an eager smile, and I notice a few employees glancing our way, clearly intrigued. Christopher walks beside me, his hand on my back, steering me forward as if we’re some perfect, unified couple.
I do my part, keeping a big smile on my face, playing into his little game.
We walk down the hall to the conference room, and I pause as he opens the door. The room feels bigger than I remember.
Christopher holds my hand, guiding me in with an air of pride. Everyone’s already seated, their eyes fixed on us, expectant.
“Are we all ready?” Christopher asks, his voice loud and confident.
Everyone nods and begins gathering around the table, shifting in their seats.
I sit down beside him, looking around for the first time—and I freeze.
Across the table, seated at the far end, is a man I didn’t expect to see.
My heart skips a beat as I recognise him.
Sebastian.
He’s even more striking in the daylight, with his dark eyes, sharp jawline, and that aura of mystery.
every inch of him exuding power and control.
But it’s his gaze that unnerves me the most—steady, intense, as if he sees right through me.
I quickly look away, my face flushing.
What the hell is he doing here?
Christopher clears his throat; Sebastian's presence does not bother him.
“Everyone,” he begins, gesturing to me, “you all remember my wife, Elizabeth. She’ll be taking back control of the marketing department.”
I manage a small nod, forcing an anxious smile across the room, but my mind is spinning.
I glance back at Sebastian, who’s watching me with a calm, unreadable expression.
I wonder if he’s thinking about that night, about the situation Christopher put me in. But his face gives nothing away.
“And now,” Christopher continues, his tone carrying a touch of pride, “I’d like to introduce our new partner and board member, Mr. Sebastian Valdez.”
The words hit me like a slap.
Partner? Board member? I can barely hide my shock as I look between them.
Sebastian stands, extending a polite nod toward the room, his gaze landing on me just briefly before sweeping over the rest of the group.
“I’m looking forward to working with all of you,” he says in a low, even tone.
“I believe we’ll accomplish great things together.”
His words are calm and professional, but there’s an underlying edge I can’t quite place.
As the meeting progresses, I struggle to keep up, my mind consumed by questions and doubts. Christopher’s voice fades into the background, and all I can focus on is Sebastian.
Every glance from him stirs a strange and conflicting feeling inside me.
My mind flashes back to that night and the way he treated me with a dignity I hadn’t felt in so long.
The meeting finally wraps up, and everyone begins to rise, gathering their papers, chatting among themselves. I feel Christopher’s hand on my arm, gently steering me toward Sebastian.
“Sebastian,” he says, his tone barely friendly. “You remember my wife, don’t you?”
Sebastian’s gaze settles on me, dark and piercing, his face unreadable.
“Of course,” he replies, his voice polite but with a faint hint of something else—something that sends a shiver down my spine. He reaches out, shaking my hand with a firm grip, his touch lingering just a second too long.
I force a smile, my heart pounding. I don’t understand what is happening. There is tension between them.
Sebastian gives me a small nod, his eyes never leaving mine.
Christopher doesn’t seem to notice the tension between us, or maybe he doesn’t care.
“I think we’re all going to make an incredible team.”
Sebastian’s eyes flicker, and for the briefest moment, I see something dark pass over his face—a shadow.
ElizabethThe office has made me feel alive again. The buzzing of hushed voices and the busy bodies takes me back to my passion.As I walk past the rows of desks, I can feel eyes on me and hear the whispers that follow me wherever I go. The name *Celeste* is on everyone’s lips—Christopher’s new fling.I should feel hurt or betrayed, but all I feel is relief.It’s been a month since Christopher last laid a hand on me. A month since I had to force a smile and pretend to care. If Celeste keeps him distracted, that’s fine by me. Maybe she’ll keep him away long enough for me to make my escape.I keep my head high, my heels clicking sharply against the floor, and step into Sebastian’s office.The air shifts as soon as I enter, the tension between us like an unspoken third presence in the room. He’s standing behind his desk, flipping through a folder, his dark eyes scanning the pages with a focus that makes my stomach tighten.He doesn’t look up right away, but when he does, it’s like the en
SebastianThe gala is alive with music, laughter, and the hum of conversation. I walk through the grand hall, my steps deliberate, my posture commanding. I am happy with myself. Not for the party but for my plan coming to fruition.I smile to myself, satisfaction curling at the edges of my thoughts.My revenge on Christopher Bell is taking shape. He has no idea what’s coming, and that’s exactly how I want it.Christopher has spent years destroying lives. He destroyed mine. He destroyed my wife's. He thought he had gotten away without consequence.But when I heard his company was faltering, teetering on the edge of bankruptcy, I saw my opportunity. I’d been patient, biding my time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Now, here I am, the "savior" swooping in as an investor, offering him a lifeline he can’t refuse.It’s almost poetic.I make my way through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries and shaking hands with key players.Every interaction is another move in this game of chess
ElizabethThe car ride home is long and confusing. My fingers still tingle from where Sebastian held my hand before he kissed me. A kiss I hadn’t expected—a kiss that set my entire world on fire.The interview was so reveling. His answers playing over and over in my mind, each one pressing against the walls of my heart. Tonight, I learnt so much about him—his pain, his struggles—but that kiss... That kiss lingers, warm and sweet, leaving me questioning my future plans.When I pull into the driveway, the house looms large, its dark windows staring back at me. This prison I call a home. My stomach twists. The thrill of the evening fades, replaced by the suffocating reminder of where I belong—or rather, where I’m trapped.I kill the engine and sit in the silence for a moment longer, pressing my forehead to the steering wheel. “Get it together,” I whisper, though my hands tremble as I reach for the door handle.I close the door behind me with a soft click, a smile still tugging at my lip
ElizabethI hold Edward close, his little body warm against mine. He’s asleep, his tiny fingers wrapped around mine like he never wants to let go. I don’t want to let go either. I sit on the couch, pulling the blanket tighter around us. The house is quiet, but my thoughts are loud.I couldn’t go to the office today. Not with the bruises on my face and hands. They feel like a mark of shame, even though I know they aren’t my fault. The bruise on my cheek stings if I touch it. My wrist aches where he grabbed me.I’m scared. For the first time in a long time, I feel truly frightened.Not just for myself, but for Edward. How long can I protect him from this?Maybe it’s time to call my father.The thought makes my chest tighten.I haven’t spoken to him in years. The last time I tried, he didn’t even want to talk to me.He’d said I made my choice when I married Christopher, and that was that. If I called him now, he’d probably say, “I told you so.”The doorbell rings, startling me. Edward st
ElizabethThe air feels heavier as I glance at the screen. The name on the display sends a wave of dread washing over me.Christopher.Did he know where I was? Is Christopher watching me?My hand freezes, the phone trembling between my fingers. I don’t know what to do. Should I answer? Should I ignore it? But ignoring him always makes things worse.“It’s Christopher,” I whisper to Sebastian, my voice shaky.“Don’t pick up,” he says firmly, stepping closer. His hand rests lightly on my arm, grounding me.“I have to,” I reply, swallowing hard.“No, you don’t,” he insists, his eyes searching mine. “You don’t owe him anything, Elizabeth. Not after everything he’s done.”“But I do,” I say softly, more to myself than to him. I swipe the screen, pressing the phone to my ear.“Where the fuck are you, Lizzy?” Christopher’s voice is sharp and demanding, slicing through the quiet.My throat tightens, but I manage to keep my voice steady. “I… I took a cab to the park. I needed some air. I needed
SebastainI sit in my office, leaning back in my chair, the city skyline sprawling out in front of me through the floor-to-ceiling windows.The room is quiet, but my thoughts are anything but calm. My fingers drum against the polished wood of my desk as I replay yesterday's events in my mind.I can’t help but smile, a small, almost triumphant curve of my lips.My plan is falling together perfectly.It’s almost laughable how easy it was to get Christopher out of the picture, at least temporarily.One strategic phone call to a friend—a perfect fake investor—a perfectly timed opportunity dangled in front of him like bait, and he was gone.Off to New York, chasing what he thinks is the deal of a lifetime.“Fool,” I mutter to myself.But my thoughts drift from Christopher almost immediately.Yesterday.Elizabeth.My God, I can still feel the taste of her lips on mine, the gentleness of her touch, and the way her breath hitched when I pulled her close.It wasn’t supposed to feel like this.
ElizabethI stand in front of the mirror, carefully dragging the eyeliner pencil along my lash line.I let out a soft giggle.Why am I so excited? I quietly ask myself.My hand trembles slightly, but I steady it.It’s been so long since I’ve done this—applied my makeup with this much care. Since I applied my make excited to go somewhere, not to cover up my bruises. The soft golden light from the vanity bathes my reflection, making my pale skin glow. I press my lips together to smooth out the crimson lipstick, tilting my head to examine my work.I look... different. It’s strange, almost foreign, but tonight I feel the need to see myself this way. I don’t know if it’s for Sebastian or for me.The faint scent of my perfume lingers in the air.It reminds me of who I used to be before Christopher—before his words, his fists, and his suffocating control stripped me down to something small, something invisible.The house is so quiet. Too quiet. My chest tightens as my thoughts shift to Edwar
SebastianI watch her walk toward me, each step deliberate and careful, as if she’s afraid she might shatter under the weight of her own decision.Elizabeth’s green dress clings to her figure, the slit teasing the length of her legs with every movement. The faint glow of the porch light dances across her skin, and I catch myself staring longer than I should.I wasn’t expecting her to say yes.When I asked her to dinner, I thought she’d hesitate, maybe deflect or make an excuse. But she surprised me, her soft “yes” echoing in my mind since the moment it left her lips. Now she’s here, her delicate beauty tugging at something I swore I’d buried a long time ago.I have no room for feelings, just vengeance. Vengeance for the man who killed my daughter's mother. My wife, my love.This wasn’t supposed to happen. Elizabeth wasn’t supposed to affect me like this.She’s just a pawn in a game that’s been years in the making.Tonight is about delivering the first blow, shaking Christopher’s world
SebastianI stand in the massive bathroom, steam curling up around me as I adjust the temperature of the water. The tub sits like a throne in the centre of the room, claw-footed and deep, the kind of bath that demands you stay in it for hours.This bathroom is a sanctuary, a place for comfort and escape—two things Elizabeth desperately needs right now.I glance back toward the door, my mind racing.She’s in pain; I know that much. Last night wasn’t just about the alcohol or the chaos—it was about her running from something, drowning in something. And now, here she is in my home, far from hers, far from the office.What if someone notices? What if Christopher starts asking questions? What if someone pieces it together—her absence, mine?I shake the thought away. I can’t leave her. Not like this. She needs me, and as much as I hate to admit it, I need to be here for her.I head back to the bedroom. She’s sitting up now, the tray I left earlier completely empty. The sight pleases me more
SebastianShe’s been passed out for hours now. Her chest rises and falls in a slow, steady rhythm, her face turned to the side, strands of dark hair clinging to her flushed cheeks. I sit in the chair across from the bed, watching her.I should’ve left her there, at that godforsaken bar. I should’ve walked away and let her deal with the mess she created. But instead, I’d carried her out like some tragic hero.What the hell was she thinking?I stand, my body tense, and start pacing the length of the room. My fists clench and unclench at my sides, and my jaw aches from how hard I’m grinding my teeth.“What the fuck, Elizabeth?” I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. “What the fuck is going on with you?”She stirs, her brows furrowing slightly before her eyes flutter open. For a second, she looks dazed, her gaze darting around the room as if trying to piece together where she is.Then she stretches her arms and yawns, and I know what’s coming next. Her face pales, her hand fl
ElizabethI lift myself up on the table in the small cabin. A nice gift from Sebastian, but I cannot enjoy it.My head feels heavy, and my chest aches in ways I can’t describe. I pull myself together slowly, my bare feet touching the cold wooden floor as I stand.My legs wobble from the intense fuck that I had begged for. I steady myself with a deep breath.I wanted Sebastian to make me feel something—anything other than this hollow, suffocating emptiness. I wanted him to bring me back to life.“Take me for a drink,” I say, turning around to face him. My voice is flat, almost cold.Sebastian sits up from the table, his brows furrowed in confusion.“What do you mean, Elizabeth?” he asks, his tone careful, almost hesitant.“Take me drinking,” I repeat, crossing my arms over my chest. “To a bar. Somewhere loud, somewhere I can forget myself.”He stares at me like I’ve grown a second head. “What if someone sees us?”“What if they do?” I ask back, my eyes boring into his. “I don’t care.”H
SebastianThe door to my office swings open so forcefully that the hinges groan. I lift my head; it’s Celeste. She stands there, wild-eyed, her cheeks flushed with anger.“Why did you fire me?” she demands. Her voice is sharp and unwavering.I exhale slowly, keeping my calm as I lean back in my chair.“First of all, watch your tone, Celeste,” I say, my voice steady but cold.“And secondly, I don’t have to explain myself to you.” I pause for a beat, letting the words settle. “But if I must, it’s because you cannot be trusted.”Her lips part slightly, and I can see the confusion in her eyes as she processes my words.She takes a step forward, her heels clicking hard against the floor.“I can’t be trusted?” she spits out, her tone incredulous. “Why?”I rest my hands on the desk and look at her carefully.“Look at your conduct in this office,” I say evenly, my words laced with a quiet accusation. It’s enough to make her bristle.I know what I mean. Her affair with Christopher and what the
Elizabeth“What are you up to, Christopher?” I ask, my voice steady, but my heart thunders beneath my chest.Christopher’s eyes narrow slightly as he steps closer, slow and deliberate, like a predator testing its prey. “Can’t I be worried about you, Lizzy?” he asks softly, his tone unsettlingly calm.Worried about me? A bitter laugh almost escapes me, but I swallow it back.Edward shifts in my arms, his little hands gripping my shoulders. I force myself to smile down at him, hiding the tension from his innocent eyes. “Go to your room, sweetheart,” I whisper gently, kissing the top of his head. “I’ll come find you soon, okay?”Edward hesitates, looking back at his father before nodding and running toward the hallway, his little footsteps echoing off the walls.Christopher doesn’t take his eyes off me. I don’t want Edward to see what might happen next. He’s already seen too much. I move quickly, brushing past Christopher before he can say anything else. The ache in my ribs flares up as
ElizabethI wake up to a dull ache in my ribs, sharp enough to make me wince.The bandages wrapped around me remind me of why I hurt, and the pain brings everything flooding back. But the moment my eyes adjust to the soft morning light, panic grips me.This isn’t my bed. This isn’t my house.I sit up too fast, the ache in my ribs flaring up, but I don’t care.The room is large and unfamiliar. The sheets beneath me are soft. The curtains are drawn halfway, revealing a view of a sprawling garden. My heart pounds. I don’t know where I am.“Where am I?” I whisper to no one.I push the blanket off me, my bare feet hitting the cold wooden floor. My purse is on the dresser across the room, and I lurch toward it, desperate for answers. My hands are shaking as I grab it, digging inside for my phone.“Good morning,” a voice says from the doorway.I jump, spinning around. It’s Sebastian. He’s leaning casually against the doorframe, looking at me like nothing is wrong.“Where am I?” I ask, my voi
SebastianI sit across from her as she sleeps, the dim light of the room casting soft shadows over her face. She looks so delicate, so fragile. Her chest rises and falls unevenly, as if even breathing is a struggle.I can see the bruises on her neck, faint but unmistakable, like fingerprints left behind by someone who had no right to touch her.It’s strange seeing her like this. Vulnerable. Elizabeth is always so guarded, her sharp tongue and stubbornness her armor. But now, as she lies here, battered and bruised, I can see the cracks in her walls. I hate it. I hate how someone could do this to her.I run a hand through my hair and lean back in my chair, never taking my eyes off her.A part of me wants to reach out, to hold her hand, to promise her that everything will be okay. But I can’t. Not yet. She wouldn’t believe me anyway.The sound of my father’s footsteps pulls me from my thoughts. I glance up as he enters the room, carrying two glasses of whiskey. He hands me one without a
ElizabethI see Sebastian in a different light. He is no longer the man who I slept with; he is now my protector. He is tense and determined. But it’s his eyes that catch me—dark, stormy, full of something I can’t quite name. Anger? Fear? Concern? All of it, maybe.“Where are we going?” I ask, my voice quieter than I intended. I’m trying to sound steady, but my ribs ache with every breath, and the words come out shaky.“You need to see a doctor,” he replies, glancing at me for a moment before turning his eyes back to the road. His knuckles grip the steering wheel so tightly I can see the tension in his hands.“I can’t,” I say quickly, panic rising in my chest. “I can’t go to the hospital. I can’t risk any of this getting out.”His jaw tightens, and his fingers flex on the wheel as if he’s holding himself back.“You know what? I don’t care, Elizabeth,” he says sharply. “All I know is that I need to make sure you’re okay. This isn’t up for debate.”“Sebastian, please.” My voice cracks,
SebastianThe scent of Elizabeth still clings to me. I can’t get her out of my head.It’s been two days since we were together under the stars, two days since I touched her soft skin, kissed her, and held her like she was the only thing that mattered.Her smell, her taste, the feel of her—it’s driving me insane. And yet, nothing. No word from her. Is she avoiding me?Christopher is back from the wild goose chase I sent him on.I saw him at the meeting earlier today, storming around, snapping at everyone.He’s furious, and it’s because of me. My friend played his part perfectly—promising Christopher an investment only to back out at the last second.Watching Christopher’s face twist in frustration had been sweet, almost too easy. My plan is working. Piece by piece, I’m dismantling his perfect little empire. But now, with Elizabeth, it feels different. She’s under my skin, making me question everything.She hasn’t been to the office since that night. Is she regretting what happened? Or